French Riots

Prices of fuel in Europe are peaking to a crescendo of public frustration. In Paris, tear gas and water cannons were enlisted to disperse protesters after a second week of demonstrations against the rising costs of fuel, namely of the diesel variety.

Violence erupted on the Champs-Elysées as protesters tried to get through a security cordon around sensitive sites. About 5,000 protesters had converged on the avenue. Dozens of people were arrested after clashing with police, BBC News reported November 24. As of this Thursday, at least 200 people were reported injured, with at least one reported death.

Organisers of the “yellow vest” movement billed the latest protests as “act two” in their rolling campaign.

Named after their distinctive high-visibility attire, the protesters oppose an increase in fuel duty on diesel.